This is my first post on this site, so thanks in advance for any advice...

Can someone please point me in the direction of some guidelines for DIY related to me fireplace. What I want to do is partially brick it up so that, in effect, what I am left with is a space that is raised off the ground and enclosed at the top, and both sides, and the back. So really a rectangular space is left.

I have already removed the old fire surround, and there is a lintel at the top, about four feet off the ground. Do I need to construct some sort of wooden frame to which I would attach plaster board and then plaster, or do I need to use bricks, or perhaps I am barking up the wrong tree all together!

james wilcox,
Use some WPB ply to form the box you want and build this into the fireplace with timber and plasterboard to hold it in place. If the chimney is still open at the top don't forget to incorporate a vent.
end